Psalm 91

I. Where do we dwell? Psalm 91:1

a. The Psalmist declares that his dwelling is in the secret place, under the shadow of the Almighty. The first word is “shelter” in verse one. This literally means “a hiding place – to cover, to hide covertly or secretly”. The King James translates the Hebrew words here “secret place”.

These same Hebrew words are translated “hiding place” in Psalm 32:7 – “You are my hiding place: you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Eg of mosquito cream hides us like God hides us from evil harms.

b. Later in verse 9, he declares that the Lord is his refuge and for those who have made Him their refuge, we have nothing to fear!

II. What will we say? Psalm 91:2

a. The writer tells us his faith confession, “I will say of the Lord…”

b. Hebrews 13:5-6

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬ NIV)

Paul says that he will confess what God says about him. God has said, so Paul will say will say in agreement (confession, affirmation).

c. Psalm 107:2

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!!” Don’t do what the members of a worship team used to do at a church I once pastored. When singing the chorus, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”, many of them would yell “SO!!!” This didn’t edify me or encourage the body, nor did it scare the devil.

d. What we need to say is: WE ARE THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD WHOM SHALL WE FEAR! (Isaiah 43:1) WE ARE REDEEMED FROM THE HAND OF THE ENEMY. (Psalm 107:2b).

III. Where have we set our love?

a. The Hebrew idea for the word love in this verse is “delight”.

b. Psalm 1:2…his delight is in the law of the Lord.

c. It is within the Word of God that we are going to find answers, direction and comfort in a troubled time.

IV. Who will we call upon for help?

Psalm 91:15

a. It is in a time of great tragedy or

conflict that we begin to discern within who or what have we placed our trust.

b. God promises that if we call upon Him, that He will answer and He will deliver. Psalm 50:15 puts it this way, “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, AND YOU WILL HONOR ME.”

c. Romans 10:13

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ NIV)

Jesus reinforced this insight when he said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (John 15:7)

Conclusion: How do you answer these four questions? How you answer will either bring you great hope through Christ or you leave you with an awareness that you have built upon shaky ground.

Indulge the alliteration with this bird’s eye view of what this Psalm says DWELLING in God’s presence offers us:

V. 1 – REST in God’s shadow.

V. 2,4 – REFUGE in God’s fortress.

V. 3 – REDEMPTION from temptation.

V. 5-6 – RELIANCE upon His promises.

V. 7-8 – RETRIBUTION upon the enemy.

V. 9-10 – RESORT from wrath.

V. 11-12 – REINFORCEMENT from angels.

V. 13-14 – RESCUE from danger.

V. 15 – REQUESTS answered.

V. 16 – RESILIENCE promised.

NOTICE THE SEVEN “I WILL’S” OF THIS GREAT PSALM

Vs. 14 – 16

1. I will deliver him – vs.14

I am afraid today to live without this verse.

All people have times when they need God’s help.

Isa. 43:1-2 – apply to Noah and 3 Heb. Children

They all fit vs. 1 of our text.

2. I will set him on high – vs. 14

Maybe this means he will help him